ORRINGTON — Joyce Fern Perkins, 63, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 15,at her beloved home on Brewer Lake.

She was born in Bar Harbor, Aug. 13, 1947, the daughter of Halsen E. and Ola (Gillie) Mitchell.

Joyce graduated in the top of her class from Brewer High School, and fell in love with her soul mate, Jerry Perkins. Joyce and Jerry married on March 5, 1966, and recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. She worked full time, lovingly raised two children, ran the Perkins household, yet still managed to earn degrees in Business Administration and Education from Husson College in 1987.

After moving to western Maine in 1967, Joyce served as the administrative assistant at Rumford Hospital for 20 years before applying her advanced degree to teaching business at Dirigo, Telstar and Mountain Valley High schools for 14 years. Following retirement, Joyce returned to the Brewer area, where she helped design and landscape her and Jerry’s dream home on Brewer Lake.

Joyce will be remembered by her family, friends, colleagues and students for her quick wit, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit. She loved visiting with her children and grandchildren, downhill and cross country skiing in western Maine and around Brewer Lake, as well as hiking and camping.

Joyce loved tending to her landscaping and flowers at the lake and long walks at the beach. She became increasingly active in cancer fighting organizations in the Bangor area and was a proud member of the First United Methodist Church of Orrington.

She is survived by her dear husband, Jerry of Orrington; her daughter, Jackie of Flagstaff, Ariz.; her son, Jonathan and wife, Caroline, of Alexandria, Va.; brothers, Alton, Vaughn and Allen Mitchell; and grandchildren, Elizabeth and Catherine. “Appreciate each day.”

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.